1. Title of the Parable
The Parable of the Great Banquet
(also known as The Wedding Banquet)
2. Scripture Reference(s)
- Luke 14:15–24 (L)
- Matthew 22:1–14 (M) (similar but distinct version)
3. Thematic Category
Love and Mercy to Others; Divine Invitation; Inclusion and Exclusion; Grace and Responsibility
4. Parable Summary
A man (or a king, in Matthew’s account) prepares a great banquet and sends out invitations. When the banquet is ready, the invited guests make excuses—one has bought land, another oxen, another just married.
Angered by the refusals, the host sends servants to invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame, and then others from roads and country lanes to fill the house.
In Luke’s version, Jesus declares that none of those originally invited will taste the banquet. In Matthew, the parable includes a further warning about a man without wedding garments, who is cast out—concluding with: “Many are called, but few are chosen.”
5. Cultural and Historical Context
Banquets in ancient Jewish society symbolised celebration, status, and communal honour. Accepting an invitation to a formal meal was both a privilege and a social duty.
To decline such an invitation—especially after prior acceptance—was seen as deeply insulting.
Matthew’s version reflects royal imagery, likely echoing prophetic warnings to Israel about rejecting God’s covenant. The image of the wedding garment may symbolise readiness, righteousness, or proper response to God’s grace.
6. Literary Form and Structure
- Type: Kingdom parable / allegorical judgment parable
- Structure: Invitation → Rejection → Expanded invitation → Response → Judgment
- Techniques: Irony, escalation, reversal, prophetic allusion
7. Theological Meaning and Kingdom Implications
The parable teaches that:
- God extends an open and generous invitation to His Kingdom.
- Human excuses, though varied and plausible, reveal heart-level rejection of God’s priorities.
- Those who seem least likely to be included are welcomed with joy.
- Entry into the Kingdom is by grace, but participation requires a proper response.
In Matthew’s version, the man without wedding garments serves as a warning: being present is not enough—spiritual preparation matters.
8. Moral and Ethical Lessons
- Prioritising worldly matters over spiritual calling can forfeit eternal blessings.
- Social status and religious heritage do not guarantee inclusion in God’s Kingdom.
- God’s love embraces the marginalised, overlooked, and outcast.
- Grace is free, but not to be treated lightly—there is an expectation of transformation.
9. Jesus’ Interpretation or Explanation
In both versions, Jesus presents the parable in response to themes of pride, religious entitlement, and spiritual readiness:
- In Luke, the parable follows Jesus’ teaching on humility at banquets and God’s generosity.
- In Matthew, it serves as a sharp rebuke to the religious leaders, who rejected the prophets and would soon reject Jesus.
The conclusion in Matthew (“Many are called, but few are chosen”) reflects the tension between invitation and accountability.
10. Application for Contemporary Readers
- Invites reflection on our response to God’s call—are we too distracted to accept?
- Warns against religious complacency or assuming inclusion without engagement.
- Encourages churches to welcome and disciple those from all walks of life.
- Challenges believers to examine whether their lives reflect true readiness and honour for the King’s invitation.
11. Comparative Insights and Scholarly Commentary
- Augustine saw the banquet as the Church and the garment as charity (love)—the essence of Christian life.
- Calvin interpreted the parable as a rebuke to Israel’s rejection of grace and an affirmation of the Gentiles’ inclusion.
- Craig Blomberg highlights multiple points: God’s generous invitation, the danger of excuses, and the need for a proper response.
- N.T. Wright frames the banquet as an eschatological picture of the Kingdom breaking in, with Jesus announcing a radical reversal of expectations.
- R.T. France reads the parable as a judgment against elitism and an affirmation of God’s inclusive mercy.
12. Cross-References
- Isaiah 25:6 – “The Lord will prepare a feast for all peoples”
- Revelation 19:9 – “Blessed are those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb”
- Matthew 13:47–50 – The dragnet: inclusion followed by sorting
- Luke 5:32 – “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance”
13. Key Quotes and Phrases
- “Come, for everything is now ready.” (Luke 14:17)
- “They all alike began to make excuses…” (Luke 14:18)
- “Go out to the highways and hedges…” (Luke 14:23)
- “Many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matt. 22:14)